Description
Soft and flavorful heart-shaped breadsticks brushed with garlic butter, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for coating
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if too sticky. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes on medium speed.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled.
- Punch Down the Dough: Gently punch down the dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces.
- Roll into Ropes: Roll each piece into a 12-14 inch rope.
- Shape into Hearts: Bring the ends of each rope together and pinch to seal. Curve the top of the loop to create the heart shape. Twist the ropes before shaping for a decorative look.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise for 20-30 minutes.
- Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter.
- Add Garlic and Parsley: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Gently brush the risen breadsticks with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve Warm: Serve warm with marinara sauce and/or Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C) to activate the yeast.
- Don’t overknead the dough.
- Ensure the dough rises properly for light and airy breadsticks.
- Be generous with the garlic butter.
- Adjust baking time as needed based on your oven.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes